Byrnes, a local attorney, who made history as the last Democrat ever to win town-wide in Middletown (2008-2011), is preparing to launch an aggressive campaign for the District 13 Senate seat, currently held by the retiring Senator Joe Kyrillos. Byrnes will face off against Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, the Republican Nominee.

The district heavily leans Republican but Democrats have made significant local gains in local towns in recent years including picking up Mayoral and Council seats in various Bayshore towns including Atlantic Highlands and Keyport. The district is also home to local Democratic strongholds Marlboro and Aberdeen.

A Source close the Monmouth County Democrats indicate that Democrats supporting Byrnes are prepared to spend over $200,000 to try to force a competitive election with O’Scanlon in the GOP-Leaning district – trying to tie O’Scanlon to the widely unpopular Chris Christie.